Experimental and numerical analysis on vibration serviceability of timber floors with different structural configurations

With the growing emphasis on carbon neutrality, timber structures are gaining priority in sustainable construction. However, the lightweight and low-stiffness natures of timber floor systems often lead to pronounced vibration responses under human-induced excitations, potentially compromising serviceability and structural safety. Currently, the absence of specific design standards for vibration serviceability assessment in China, coupled with the inadequacy of concrete floor frameworks, necessitates a tailored approach. This study integrates experimental testing, numerical modeling, and standard evaluations to systematically investigate the vibration performance of timber floor systems, laying a theoretical foundation for optimized design in practical engineering. The vibration tests conducted at the Wuxi Timber Exhibition Center on a timber-concrete composite floor system captured ambient and controlled human-induced excitation, revealing high-frequency characteristics, rapid vibration attenuation, and significant acceleration responses. An ABAQUS-based finite element model was then developed and validated. Parametric results revealed that optimized connections and increased OSB thickness could improve the vibration performance. Multi-person excitation revealed a nonlinear relationship with the number of occupants when at identical frequencies. Excitations with poor synchronization generate greater vibration responses than those with better synchronization. The findings of this study offer useful references of timber-concrete composite (TCC) floors for vibration serviceability assessment and future improvement of relevant design provisions.